Capt John Harris

You are hereby directed to proceed, as soon as you think it safe [s]o to do, with your Vessel to Sea and Cruise from fifty to One hundred Leagues to Windward of the West Indie Islands. — You are to annoy over come and make Prize of all Vessels you may meet with which you shall have reason to believe are Enemies to the United States of America having at all Times strick regard to the Rules of War and Law of Nations. You must take the greatest Care in securing and Conducting, any Prize or Prizes you may take, into some place or places of safety by Convoying them or otherwise as you may Judge most Prudent. — We have been informed that the French Ports are Open to our Cruizers and that Prizes taken by them are Condemned in their Ports. Should you think it expedient to send any Prize or Prizes that may fall into your hands into any of the French Ports, such Prize or Prizes are immediately on their Arrival to be put into the hands of the Agent or Agents of this Commonwealth who are desired to Proceed to have them Condemn'd & Sold, Paying (if a Merchant Vessel) one half of the Nett Produce to the Capt & Crew and if a Man of War or Privateer then the whole to be paid to the Capt & Crew agreeable to the Rules & Articles of the Navy of this Commonwealth. Should you send any Prize or Prizes to the Continent you are to direct the Prize Master immediately upon his arrival to acquaint us by express of such arrival — when & where & what her Cargo may Consist of. — We wish you success and confide in your Fidelity Courage and good Conduct as well as in your [illegible ]nity for your kind & generous Treatment of any of the Enemy that may happen to become your Prisoners. — You are to return within six Months. —

Virginia Navy Board [Williamsburg]
February 6th 1777

Van Bibber & Harrison
are our Agents in St
Eustatia & Martineque ²